BATH, Maine (AP) _ In their first public event together in Maine, U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King are pledging their full support for shipyard workers and are urging Congress to stop the "blame game'' and pass the defense budget.

Collins, a Republican, and King, an independent, made the comments Thursday morning while touring Navy contractor Bath Iron Works. They also met with shipyard workers.

The two said the threat of automatic budget cuts and the absence of a defense budget could mean a loss of hundreds of jobs BIW.

The two senators are urging President Barack Obama to bring Democrats and Republicans together to avert the cuts.

Collins and King also planned to visit the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery.